Day 4: Deserts and Desserts

I unzip my tent and shiver in the cool air.According to my phone it’s only 34 degrees. For a moment I consider crawling back into my sleeping bag to wait for the sun to rewarm the earth. And then I glimpse the colors on the eastern horizon.

I’m ten miles away from I-10 and even though the posted speed limit is 70 on this “back” road, I have it to myself so I take my time. I think the desert creatures have come out to see me on my way. Hawks perch in the branches of trees along the road.

They wait patiently for me to snap my shot before flying off. A beautiful buck grazes on the dry grass a little farther up.

And then a roadrunner dashes into the brush. Vultures line up like sentinels on the fence posts. On the ground before them is what looks to be a wild pig. Flowers add splashes of color along the roadside and mountains stretch toward the sky creating the perfect backdrop.

I discover a white chapel- a historical landmark.

An hour later I finally merge onto I-10.

The needle of my gas gage is hovering at 1/2 a tank when I spot a lonely gas station at the top of the hill.

If there’s one thing I learned yesterday, it’s that gas stations are few and far between on this stretch of highway.

Not long after I fill up, I spot a scenic overlook. Rocky and I run to the top of the hill. It feels good to stretch my legs and get my heart racing!

My next stop is The Cattleman’s Ranch Steakhouse at Indian Cliffs.

The surrounding landscape has been used to film a few movies. Not only is the food amazing, but Rocky is allowed to join me! This is the first sit-down-inside meal since I started this trip, so I treat myself to cheesecake! The only thing that would make it better is hubby by my side. He would love this place!

More and more vehicles crowd around me as I near El Paso, Texas. But thankfully not enough to slow my pace.

Stretched across the road ahead of me is a yellow sign with red letters. I have entered New Mexico, The Land of Enchantment.

I made it! I’ve reached Rockhoud State Park and it is beautiful. Rocky and I take advantage of the sunlight and hike one of the trails. I love these desert plants: Prickly pear cactus, yellow, purple, orange, white desert flowers, mesquite, beargrass, yucca. Some of the cactus look like they’ve been eaten and I keep my eyes peeled for wild boar or pigs (and I’m in the lookout for rattlers)!But all I see are quails, glimpses of squirrels and cottontails, and various desert birds.